Specialty Contact Lenses

Many patients come to us every day struggling to get through their daily lives with their current choice of vision correction. Some have eyeglasses that do not sit properly on their face or feel that their peripheral vision is hindered by the frames. While contact users may find the lenses uncomfortable or have them fall out at inconvenient times. For these patients, we are pleased to offer orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, a revolutionary way to help you see clearly throughout the day without having to wear glasses or contacts and without having to get laser eye surgery.

What is Ortho-K?

Generations ago, eye doctors knew that the tissue in the eye was soft and somewhat malleable. This knowledge caused them to wonder if they could push the eye back into the proper shape, would an individual be able to see clearly even if they were not wearing their prescription lenses. With the development of gas permeable contact lenses, a few eye doctors began to notice that their patient’s prescriptions did not change as rapidly as previously noted and that they appeared to be able to see correctly even when they were not wearing their contacts.

From these early discoveries, the world of Ortho-K was born. Ortho-K is a special treatment to help patients see clearly even when they are not wearing a prescription lens. Instead, a special gas permeable contact lens is placed into the eye each night before bed and the lens gently pushes the eye into the proper shape while you sleep. In the morning, you can remove the lenses and still see clearly throughout the day. Some patients can even see clearly for up to three days after wearing them for just one night!

Who Should Consider Ortho-K?

• There are a number of issues that our patients can have with prescription lenses. If you have one of the following conditions or concerns, call our office today to schedule an appointment.

• Allergies to the materials in contact lenses

• Dry eye that is made worse by wearing prescription lenses

• Dirt or other debris that gets under contact lenses

• You play sports and do not want to worry about glasses or contacts

• The ability to wake up at night and see clearly

• A general dislike of glasses or contacts

How Long Does It Take?

Once you receive your custom Ortho-K contact lenses, it will take anywhere from one to four weeks to fully see all the benefits to your vision that they will provide. However, some of our patients find that their vision has improved after only wearing their lenses for a single night! During the first few days, you may also still need to wear prescription lenses to see clearly enough to drive or get through your normal day, but that is generally quickly resolved. Also, some patients experience some mild discomfort for the first few nights, but as your eyes adjust over a few days, you should no longer be bothered by the feel of your lenses. Is the Procedure Safe? Orthokeratology was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. The procedure is considered safe, effective, and reversible. However, there are some side effects associated with Ortho-K. Most of these side effects are a result of improper cleaning of the lenses that can lead to a minor infection. These infections are usually remedied fairly quickly with the use of antibiotic eyedrops. Overview If you are sick and tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses every single day and would like an alternative way to correct your vision, consider trying Ortho-K. If you would like more information on Ortho-K, please call our offices today and see how we can improve your everyday life.

Custom-Fit Scleral Lenses

Custom-fit scleral lenses provide dramatic improvements in visual acuity and comfort levels to those with corneal irregularities due to LASIK eye surgery complications, keratoconus, astigmatism, dry eye, or other ocular conditions.

Request a Scleral Lens Appointment

Scleral contact lenses are an excellent option for patients with irregular corneas or conditions such as keratoconus, corneal disorders, and extasia. These lenses rest on the sclera (white part of the eye) while vaulting over the cornea, creating a tear-filled chamber that provides comfort and clear vision. Scleral lenses offer improved visual acuity, reduced discomfort, and enhanced moisture retention, making them an ideal choice for those with challenging corneal conditions.

A scleral lens sits on the sclera of the eye and vaults over the cornea, virtually eliminating friction and discomfort. This “dome” creates a new optical surface to replace the damaged cornea.

Moreover, the reservoir of saline solution between the back the lens and the front of the cornea perpetually keeps the eye in a liquid environment, providing the ideal environment for ocular healing.

What Are The Advantages Of Wearing Scleral Lenses?

Scleral Lenses Provide More Comfort and Improved Vision

Scleral lenses, larger in diameter than traditional lenses, spread their weight over a much greater, less sensitive area of the eye. Because the lens sits firmly on the eye, it offers a more stable vision than traditional lenses, making them superior for physical activity, but with far less irritation.

Moreover, scleral lenses are composed of highly breathable gas permeable material, which ensures that ample oxygen reaches the eye, leading to healthy eyes and comfortable lens wear. Furthermore, the large size of the lens protects your eyes from debris, dust, and allergens, providing a perfect solution for those suffering from eye allergies.

Who are Scleral Lenses For?

Anyone desiring to achieve the best vision with contact lenses is a great candidate for scleral lenses.

Scleral lenses are particularly helpful in managing the following conditions:

• Keratoconus

• Post-corneal transplant

• Dry Eyes

• Hard-to-fit eyes

Hybrid Contact Lenses:

Hybrid contact lenses combine the benefits of both soft and RGP lenses. They have a rigid center for clear vision and a soft peripheral edge for enhanced comfort. Dr. Letourneau often recommends hybrid lenses for patients with keratoconus, corneal disorders, or post refractive surgery. These lenses provide excellent visual acuity, increased wearing comfort, and improved stability on the eye.
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Rigid Gas Perm Contact Lenses (RGP):

RGP lenses are an established option for patients with various eye conditions. They are made from a durable and breathable material, allowing for better oxygen permeability compared to soft lenses. RGP lenses are a popular choice for patients with keratoconus, corneal disorders, and post refractive surgery. These lenses offer excellent visual acuity, durability, and can be custom-designed to suit your individual needs.
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Bi-toric Contact Lenses:

For patients with astigmatism, Dr. Letourneau may prescribe bi-toric contact lenses. These specialized lenses correct astigmatism by providing different powers in different meridians of the lens. Bi-toric lenses are available in various materials, including soft and RGP, to cater to individual preferences and specific eye conditions.
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Dr. Letourneau's expertise in specialty contact lenses extends to treating specific conditions such as:

• Keratoconus: A progressive condition characterized by a thinning and bulging of the cornea. Specialty contact lenses can help restore clear vision and improve comfort.
  
  

• Corneal Disorders: Various corneal disorders, including irregular astigmatism, corneal scars, and corneal dystrophies, can benefit from specialty contact lenses to improve vision and overall eye health.
  
  

• Ectasia: Refers to the thinning and protrusion of the cornea after refractive surgery. Specialty contact lenses can help manage visual distortion and provide clear vision.
  
  

• Post Op RK (Radial Keratotomy): Specialty contact lenses can aid in addressing vision changes and irregular astigmatism that may occur after RK surgery.
  
  

• Sjogren's Syndrome: This autoimmune condition affects the tear glands, leading to dry eyes. Specialty contact lenses with enhanced moisture retention can help alleviate discomfort and improve vision.
  
  

• Post Refractive Surgery: Specialty contact lenses are often used to address vision irregularities, such as high astigmatism or corneal distortions, that may arise after LASIK, PRK, or other refractive surgeries.

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At Ridgeview Eye Care, we understand the unique challenges posed by these eye conditions, and our Specialty Contact Lens Program is designed to provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Letourneau's expertise and commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in contact lens technology ensure that.